My name is Dr. Catherine Berdanier. I am an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Penn State University. My colleague (Dr. Monique Ross, Computer Science, Florida International University) and I have recently been awarded an NSF grant to study postdoctoral education and mentoring in engineering and computer science-related disciplines from both the postdoc and the faculty points of view. You are recruited as a potential participant either as a current/recent postdoc or a current/recent faculty supervisor of a postdoctoral scholar. This study is approved by the Penn State Institutional Review Board.

This research is conducted through a brief survey, followed by an optional potential interview conducted via Zoom, during which we will ask your perceptions on postdoctoral education and expectations for the professional development of postdoctoral scholars in engineering and computer science disciplines. If you are willing to participate in the study, please follow this survey link.

If you meet our screening criteria, you will confirm consent and will be directed to a brief survey collecting demographic and background information and perceptions of mentorship at the postdoctoral level. Before the interview portion of the study, we will send you a copy of the informed consent for the interview portion of the study, so you can read about the study and ways in which your confidentiality will be protected. If you complete the survey, are selected for the interview, and complete the interview, will be compensated for their participation with a $25 Amazon gift card.

If you have any questions about this study or how the data will be used, feel free to contact me at cgb9@psu.edu and I will answer any questions you have.

Thank you,

Catherine